2 £8 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
December 10, 1898. 
When speaking of Apples, the most 
important of British fruits, the author states 
that consumers in country places could 
produce at small expense what they have 
to rely upon foreign imports for. He also 
says that more advantage might be taken 
of shrubberies, parks and similar spaces 
for the planting of Apple trees that excel 
in- beauty many of the subjects usually 
planted there, either by their blossom in 
spring or their fruit in autumn. A number 
of varieties particularly suited for such a 
purpose are mentioned by name, together 
with their special recommendations, so that 
nothing could be more explicit. Some 
owners of gardens do plant Apple trees on 
their lawns for the beauty of the blossom 
and fruit, but the number is yet small. 
Standard trees are most convenient for this 
purpose, but they require a considerable 
number of years to bring them to the full 
bearing stage. In the meantime, however, 
a supply of fruit may be obtained from 
bush trees on the Paradise stock two years 
after planting, or thereby. The author has 
repeatedly obtained upwards of 28 lbs. of 
Apples from such trees, under good manage¬ 
ment. Well drained and thoroughly pre¬ 
pared soil are necessary if the best results 
are to be secured. The method of dealing 
with heavy and retentive soils is also fully 
explained, anl the question of manuring is 
dealt with according to the rules of the 
best modern practice and knowledge of the 
subject. Select lists of cooking and dessert 
Apples suitable for trees trained in certain 
specified ways are given, so that the 
amateur who gives a little attention to the 
information supplied need be at no loss as 
t-o how he should proceed, nor be without a 
reason for his procedure. By the careful 
disbudding of Apple trees during the early 
growing period the author has been able to 
get splendid crops of the highest value; 
while no root-pruning has been necessary 
to check superfluous growth, nor bring the 
trees into fruitful bearing. 
The Pear forms the subject of the second 
chapter, and its various peculiarities and re¬ 
quirements are handled with the same care 
as in the case of the Apple. More varieties 
of Pears are recommended to be grown 
than Apples, for the purpose of keeping up 
a continuous supply, because the fruits 
perish more rapidly than Apples after they 
reach maturity. Prominence is given to 
trees in the bush, cordon, and other 
restricted forms on the Quince stock on 
account of the greater certainty of getting a 
good return from the trees while yet young 
and occupying but little space. Select lists 
of varieties suitable for bushes, and likewise 
for standards, receive due attention, so that 
ho amateur need be appalled by the lengthy 
lists of trees supplied them by the nursery¬ 
man. The instructions are given in 
sequence till the fruits are carefully stored 
in the fruit room. 
The subject of planting trees to break the 
force of strong gales of wind is often a 
stumbling block to amateurs, frequently on 
account of the lack of space. While speak¬ 
ing of Plums the author offers a simple 
solution of the question by recommending 
that Damsons be planted on the outskirts of 
the orchard so as to break the force of the 
wind. This might also apply to the shelter¬ 
ing of other fruit trees, and the wind-breaks 
will thus be useful in more ways than one. 
One fact that should never be lost sight of 
is that trees in the bush form do not readily 
suffer much from gales of wind, because 
they are less exposed ; they shelter one 
another, and the wind-breaks supplied need 
not be high, seeing that full exposure to 
light is a matter of primary importance to 
the trees. 
Other hardy fruits are tackled at greater 
or less length according to their importance 
to amateurs in general, and the difficulties 
attending their cultivation. Numerous 
illustrations of Plum trees show the different 
systems of pruning and training considered 
the more serviceable under varying condi¬ 
tions in this country. The composition of 
the natural soils in different districts is said 
to be the leading cause of success with 
Apricots in certain gardens and of failure in 
others. Suggestions are offered in the 
matter of supplying the trees with artificial 
manures with the view of discovering 
what will correct or rectify their indis¬ 
position to fruit in certain soils. Those 
that are rich in humus, that is, decaying 
vegetable matter, are to be avoided, as the 
Apricot requires a firm soil. Some of the 
most prolific trees he has seen had their 
roots under a gravel path. Cherries,Goose¬ 
berries, Currants. Strawberries, Figs, Cob¬ 
nuts, Filberts, Grapes, and various other 
fruits are passed in review, the chapter on 
Grapes being lengthy, full, and well illus¬ 
trated, the figures showing Grapes at 
various stages. Additional illustrations to 
the second edition increase the value of the 
book, which is replete with information that 
cannot but prove valuable to other than 
amateur cultivators. 
Whe N.C.S. Reserve Fund.— The history 
A of this fund as briefly recounted by one 
ol the auditors at the annual dinner on the 
evening of the 30th ult., is curious as well 
as interesting. There have been three dis¬ 
tinct funds, the first having been started in 
1880, and which enjoyed an existence of 
ten years, by which time it reached a little 
more than £ 100. This was swallowed in 
carrying out the centenary celebrations in 
1890. Another fund, inaugurated in 1893, 
continued increasing till 1895, when it was 
exhausted in the publication of a N.C.S. 
Year Book, which proved only a qualified 
success ; but it may afford some consolation 
to remember that a similar,but smaller,pub¬ 
lication in America suffered the same fate. 
The third reserve fund was started in 
1894-5, and it seems that this has gone the 
way of its predecessors. What the society 
may now do in the matter is purely conjecture 
for the present ; but if there is any real 
necessity for a reserve fund, the increased 
interest the members now take in the busi¬ 
ness matters of the society will not allow 
the cause to lapse. The list of sub¬ 
scribers to the mother Chrysanthemum 
society is a fairly lengthy one, thus ensuring 
a considerable income. There is practically 
no risk in the matter of gate money, seeing 
that a specified sum is guaranteed by the 
directors of the Royal Aquarium. The 
income is, therefore, fairly well assured, and 
the outlay should be subordinated to the 
receipts from all quarters, thereby guarding 
against any great loss or depletion of avail¬ 
able funds. A reserve fund would, never¬ 
theless, be a distinct advantage to fall back 
upon in case of emergencies that cannot be 
foreseen. The efficiency' of the society 
would also be maintained and its power for 
useful work increased by the presence of a 
good balance at the bank. New classes in 
the schedule of prizes might be instituted 
from time to time to further some fresh 
development, or excite fresh interest in the 
annual competitions. From this point of 
view a reserve fund might be made the 
most potent instrument for successful pro¬ 
gress, not only to the mother society but to 
those affiliated with it 
- -— 
Buttered Beetroot makes an excellent vegetable, 
says Pearson's Weekly. Boil the roots carefully, re¬ 
move the skins, and cut neat slices an eighth of an 
inch thick. Sprinkle pepper and salt on them, and 
pour over a table spoonful of oiled butter. Serve at 
once. 
Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. — The 
Reigate and District Chrysanthemum Society, 
through Mr. J. Brown, has forwarded a donation 
of £21 to the funds of this institution. 
Apples have an approximate chemical composition 
of 84 9 per cent, of water ; 1-5 of nitrogen or flesh 
forming matter ; 11 9 carbo-hydrates, such as starch, 
sugar', &c. ; and 17 of mineral salts. In the raw 
state Apples take a healthy person one hour and 
twenty minutes to digest them. 
Royal Horticultural Society.—The last meeting 
this year of the Royal Horticultural Society will take 
place next Tuesday, the 13th inst., in the Drill Hall, 
James Street, Westminster, when the Fruit, Floral, 
and Orchid Committees will meet as usual at 12 
o'clock. A lecture on "Some of the Plants Ex¬ 
hibited ” will be given at 3 o’clock by the Rev. Prof. 
Geo. Henslow, M.A., F.L.S., V.M.H. 
A Big Lettuce.—There was on view at Messrs. C. 
Howie & Co.’s office, Market Street, a Lettuce grown 
by Mr. John Orr, Belgravia, which for size and 
shape would be hard to beat. It was produced from 
Webbs’ seeds, bemg of the variety " Monstrous 
Cos,” and measured 18 in. in diameter. The market 
gardeners were all surprised at ihe size and quality, 
and if we might judge by the run on that particular 
seed at Messrs. Howie & Co.’s establishment, Mr. 
Orr will have many competitors during the ensuing 
summer.— Diamond Fields Advertiser. 
Falkland Park, South Norwood Hill, has suddenly 
changed hands, the transfer having been completed 
just about the time we gave an illustration of the 
parterre in front of the mansion, in our issue for the 
26th ult. The new owner, C. H. Walker, Esq., took 
possession on the 1st inst. He took over that part 
of the estate belonging to Falkland Park proper, 
including the mansion, ihe glasshouses, and plants, 
both indoors and out. Mr. A. Wright remains as 
gardener, and all the rest of the servants or most of 
them remain unchanged, while the new owner brings 
two others with him from his last place at Becken¬ 
ham. 
Edinburgh Seed Trade.—The assistants held their 
fourth annual dinner on the evening of Friday, 2nd 
inst., in the West End Cafe, Princes Street, when a 
large and representative gathering sat down to an 
ample repast served in the Cafe Co’s, best style. 
After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, a most en¬ 
joyable programme of high-class music was carried 
through to the entire satisfaction of everyone present. 
Several of the employers, including Messrs. Methven, 
Milne, R. Laird, &c„ took efficient part in the toast 
list, making allusions to 'the trade as it was many 
years ago. Mr. Todd, president of the Scottish 
Horticultural Association, gave the audience interest¬ 
ing reminiscences of forty-five y ears ago. The pro¬ 
ceedings which were very enthusiastic throughout 
lasted until the small hours. Mr. Peter Drew pre¬ 
sided with much acceptance over the meeting, which 
was the largest yet held—over 100 gentlemen being 
present. The menu card, which in itself was a most 
artistic production, was supplied by Messrs. Blake & 
Mackenzie, of Liverpool. 
Preston and Fulwood Horticultural Society.—The 
eighty-seventh monthly meeting of this society was 
held at Preston, on the 3rd inst., Mr. B. Ashton 
presiding, and briefly introduced Mr. R. G. Water¬ 
man, treasurer and secretary of the Woolton Society, 
to deliver his paper on " Soils and their Treatment." 
The subject was treated from a practical point of 
view, commencing with position, shelter, draining, 
trenching, &c. Manures of all kinds were considered, 
and how and when to give. Broad rules of rotation 
were laid down, and as far as practicable recom¬ 
mended ; but generally in a well-kept garden this 
was not considered compulsory, and with liberal 
treatment crops of a similar character could be 
successively cultivated. The lecturer’s opinion was 
asked as to the value of lime, gas-lime, soot and salt, 
and some few details of general management, which 
received suitable replies. Mr. Parkinson moved a 
hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Waterman for his 
excellent paper ; this was seconded by Mr. Parker 
and carried unanimously, a similar compliment being 
paid to Mr. Ashton for presiding. The thanks of the 
society were tendered to Mr. C. Parker for a well- 
grown plant of Oncidium crispum having seventy- 
three flowers on one stem. 
